Think positive about the season that lies ahead

As if you didnít know already, today is the first day of hurricane season. It is the day many have been dreading for months.

It used to not be that way. We looked forward to June 1 as the beginning of vacation time when kids are out of school and families have more freedom to take trips to the beach and to Disneyworld.

This year, however, families are planning other types of trips like getting out of the way of hurricanes as they approach. It took only one -- Katrina -- to change the mindset on the meaning of summer.

But it is still vacation time, folks. Plan it that way.

Look for the good and pleasurable things that summer can bring. How about going to the Ozarks and breathing the fresh mountain air? Or take a spin to Nashville for a tune or two.

Hey, theyíve got some glitzy shows even when its summer in New York. And talk about glitzy, Las Vegas is just a plane ride away.

You should prepare for that hurricane evacuation trip in case it becomes necessary but then forget about it until it becomes necessary. In other words, anticipate the pleasures of summer and enjoy them and, who knows, maybe this will be one of the many summers and falls when we have been spared.

Thereís also the possibility you could evacuate, if called for, to one of those spots you always dreamed of going. How about the Grand Canyon or the vineyards of California? Hurricanes wonít find you there but you may have to watch out for earthquakes.

Life is too short to fret over the bad things that could happen. Think positive and make it all worthwhile.